First introduced in 1904 and often regarded as the first men’s wristwatch, the Santos-Dumont has long embodied Cartier’s fusion of elegance and innovation. In 2023, Cartier unveiled the Santos-Dumont Skeleton Micro-Rotor in steel, rose gold, and a limited yellow gold edition, marking the most contemporary evolution of this iconic line.

Housed in the classic “Large” 31mm case, the watch features the newly developed skeletonized caliber 9629 MC, where bridges double as hour markers and the entire gear train is visible. Balanced by a mainspring at two o’clock and a hairspring opposite, the movement offers symmetry as well as a 44-hour power reserve. The star detail is the micro-rotor, engraved with Santos-Dumont’s legendary La Demoiselle plane, harmonized in matching metal to the case. Just launched to the public and extremely rare, this version most notably features a black lacquer bezel and the present example is preserved in barely worn condition.

Elegant yet technically daring, the Skeleton Micro-Rotor blends Cartier’s historic design codes with modern watchmaking artistry. Keeping the iconic Santos-Dumont form, this reference stands as a worthy modern heir to Louis Cartier’s original creation—a watch that would feel just as fitting on the wrist of today’s aviators and visionaries.